NDLEA Finds Drugs, Other Illicit Substances in APC Senator’s House

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the recovery of drugs and illegal substances from the home of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) in Ilorin, Kwara State.

During a press conference at their Abuja headquarters, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that a raid on the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator’s GRA residence, conducted earlier in February 2024, resulted in the arrest of two aides.

The Agency further asserted that the senator’s recent criticism of its integrity stemmed from personal grievances.

The NDLEA stated, “The senator’s private residence had previously been raided, yielding the recovery of drugs and illicit substances, along with the arrest of two aides.”

“In another instance, the Agency received intelligence suggesting that individuals known as Omo Senator, operating from his hometown of Offa, were also involved in drug trafficking. A subsequent raid was conducted at their location in Offa, leading to the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan, during which illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis, were confiscated on June 11, 2023.

“Attempts to persuade the Agency to dismiss the case against Odepidan, including a visit from the senator’s Personal Assistant, Omoluabi, to the Kwara State Command headquarters in Ilorin, were unsuccessful. Odepidan was promptly charged in court and prosecuted. Despite jumping bail in 2023, he was re-arrested in 2024 after a bench warrant was issued for his capture and was ultimately convicted and sentenced in June 2024.

“Given this context, it can be inferred that the senator’s outbursts, which include false allegations—unprecedented from anyone within or outside the government—are likely linked to these encounters with the Agency.”

This statement followed Senator Ashiru’s accusations that the NDLEA was “corrupt and compromised” during a Senate plenary session. The NDLEA asserted that the senator’s remarks were influenced by his unfavorable experiences with the Agency, which had previously apprehended individuals associated with drug activities originating from his residence.

In light of these allegations, the NDLEA reaffirmed its dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse, labeling the senator’s claims as defamatory and misrepresentative of its operations.

The Agency emphasized its status as a leader in drug enforcement, having received commendations from both local and international organizations. The NDLEA pledged to continue its efforts to dismantle all drug networks, including those linked to the senator’s area.